This fruitful collaboration between the two leading companies seems to be ending here, since Nokia has announced that it has agreed to sell its Security Appliance Business to Check Point Security Technologies. One could easily argue that this has been one of the most successful partnerships in the last 15 years, since almost all the developments released have enjoyed a high success rate and are still considered top of the line.

In the 12 years the two companies have shared ideas and troubles, many leading enterprise security solutions brought prosperity to the two leading and consecrated firms. Their solutions have been tested and found more than adequate in the harshest and most averse environments, thus proving the fertile collaboration these companies have been enjoying in the last decade.

Tom Furlong, senior vice president of Services & Software at Nokia stated on the matter, "For over 10 years, the security appliance business within Nokia has held a leading position in the security appliance market. Our IP security platforms have developed a well-deserved reputation as the premier platform on which to deploy Check Point's leading security software[...]This business fits naturally with Check Point, and the combination will provide a great path forward for the thousands of customers who depend on Nokia security solutions today."

The “alliance” worked so well since Nokia was developing security platforms especially designed for Check Point's firewalls and unified threat management. Moreover, the collaboration was constructed so that the cleverly designed security platform would be in concordance with Check Point's virtual network in every way, thus turning the whole system into a well-oiled “security machine.”

Gil Shwed, Chairman and CEO at Check Point also stated his opinion and position on the matter, "As a pioneer in security appliances, the Nokia security appliance business has been an important strategic partner for Check Point and has helped us achieve early leadership in the security appliance market[...]Adding Nokia's security appliance portfolio into Check Point's broad range of security solutions is the natural conclusion of our long collaboration, and will assure a smooth path forward for our mutual customers."

Even though the purchase has not even begun, the information tells us that the probability for a change of heart on the part of either company is very small and the takeover date is set for March 31st 2009.